Canon Rebel XSi (Canon EOS 450D) Review: With the Rebel XSi, Canon is making progress in the entry-level class

With the Canon Rebel XSi (Canon EOS 450D outside United States), Canon brings an entry-level DSLR to the market that is equipped with a lot of modern technology. With a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, it even surpasses the higher EOS 40D by two megapixels. The LiveView function has also been further developed, as has the monitor.

Brief assessment

Pros

• Comfortable viewfinder (based on entry-level DSLR ratios)
• Well thought-out operating concept
• LiveView optionally with mirror impact (fast phase comparison AF) or interruption-free (slower contrast AF)
• Very good ratio between resolution or pixel density and image noise

Cons

• Built-in flash unit cannot be used as control flash for wireless flash operation
• Some image correction functions (including shadow brightening and automatic red eye retouching) can only be called up in direct print mode
• No LCD swivel/folding mechanism
• No automatic portrait switching of the menu/status display

 

It is the first entry-level digital EOS camera with LiveView and, with its 12.2 megapixel sensor, makes a leap of a good two million pixels compared to its predecessor. We are talking about the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D), which is already on sale and has already found several happy owners.

An inherited feature of the large professional camera is the Digic III image processor, which is designed to provide high data throughput and good image quality. With 14 bit colour depth per colour channel, the image processor processes the data, with up to 3.5 frames per second possible. The buffer is only enough for six RAW images, but in JPEG mode, 53 consecutive images are possible. Recently, the photos are stored on SD memory cards – positive for newcomers from the compact class, rather unusual for old EOS users, as CompactFlash memory cards were previously used. But there are also innovations in flash control: So the Speedlite 580 EX II can be controlled via the camera display. This has not only grown to a three inch screen diagonal, but is also 50% brighter than the display of the EOS 400D – however, the resolution remains at 230,000 pixels; when testing the EOS 40D we found this to be somewhat blurred (see further links). Canon has also further developed the LiveView function of the EOS 40D and incorporated it into the 450D. At 30 frames per second, the live image not only displays a histogram for exposure assessment, but a grid can also be superimposed and focused on the sensor using contrast autofocus – without having to fold down the mirror. Alternatively, it is also possible to focus with mirror flaps or manually with a 10x magnifying glass.

The viewfinder of the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) displays 95% of the later image at 0.87x magnification. The status display below the viewfinder now also shows the sensitivity, which is a clear advantage. The autofocus works with nine measuring points, which are also displayed in the viewfinder. In addition to the well-known multi-field and integral metering, there is now a true spot metering that covers 4% of the viewfinder image. The 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor results in a 1.6x increase in focal length, and it also has a dust protection mechanism in which the upstream low-pass filter vibrates.

The sensor itself is permanently installed, so you have to use appropriately equipped lenses with EF bayonet for image stabilization. One of them can be purchased in a bundle with the camera, the EF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS costs about 850 EUR together with the camera. Without this lens it is already available for 750 EUR. A battery handle is optionally available.

Ergonomics and Workmanship

It is already astonishing how Canon managed to distribute the not less than 22 control elements (11 function keys, 1 program selector wheel, 1 on/off switch, 1 setting wheel, 1 release button, 1 lens release button, 1 diopter setting wheel and the 5 elements of the control pad and/or navigation field) to the still rather compact housing dimensions of 129 x 98 x 68 millimeters. Nevertheless, not only is there enough space left for the oversized 7.6cm screen, but good ergonomics could also be maintained. In any case, the EOS 450D lies comfortably and, thanks to the rubberized grip application in grained leather look, (slip-)firmly in the hand; all controls are accessible without finger acrobatics and can be easily operated without accidental operation. In order to ensure that the camera is easy to hold in the hand even when shooting portrait shots such as classic portraits, Canon offers the BG-E5 multifunction grip as an optional accessory, which not only improves the hand position for such shots and makes various controls (shutter release button, front control dial, AE lock button, AF area selection button) even more suitable for portrait photography, but also makes the camera look even more professional and keeps the EOS 450D powered by a second battery for even longer photo sessions.

Like so many entry-level DSLRs, the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) makes generous use of plastic to achieve a net weight of only 525 grams (including battery and memory card). If the EF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS set lens is added, the weight increases by exactly 200 grams to just under three quarters of a kilogram. Canon, by the way, takes exactly the opposite approach to the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) as its competitors: While most other entry-level DSLRs look and feel “plastic” with their grainy polycarbonate compound, the smooth plastic body of the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) looks a bit “cheap” at first glance, while the subjective tactile feel leaves a much more solid impression. Subjectively good is also the comfort of the new viewfinder. The viewfinder image is clear/bright over the entire field of view (thanks to a better reflection of the pentascopic mirror components than the usual aluminum vaporization) and fine, free of any color casts and easy to see even for people wearing glasses. Canon specifies an image field coverage of 95 percent, a 0.87x viewfinder image magnification and an eye relief of 19 millimeters; diopter correction ranges from -3 to +1 diopter, and the green LCD status bar on the viewfinder now also shows the set light sensitivity level. A built-in eyepiece shutter is not available.

As an alternative to the viewfinder, the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) allows you to use the camera screen to view your subjects. Although the live image function must be activated in the menu before the first use, from then on, one press of the set button is sufficient to take pictures in the best compact camera manner. Despite the relatively low resolution of 230,000 pixels (which seems a bit tight for a 3″ LCD), the 7.6cm screen can be used reasonably well for checking the sharpness. In any case, it’s better than the recently tested Sony Alpha 350 with a smaller screen and especially good in combination with the electronic image magnifier (optionally with 5x or 10x image magnification). In live image mode, you can even choose between two types of automatic focusing. In Quick mode, the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) uses the AF sensor in the bottom of the camera as in normal camera operation. However, because the AF sensor depends on a down-folded mirror and this is folded up in live image mode, the live image display must be briefly interrupted for the time of focusing. Pressing the asterisk button (normally responsible for meter lock) will cause the camera to lower the mirror. The screen turns black for a short time, and as soon as the focusing process is complete (indicated by the typical beep), the mirror flips up again and the live image is back. In live mode, however, the image sensor assumes the role of the AF sensor. The correct sharpness or distance is no longer determined by the so-called phase comparison method, but by the contrast analysis typical for compact cameras. In this mode, the live image mode works without interruption, but the camera takes much longer to focus. Which live image mode you choose is a matter of taste, or perhaps depends on the shooting situation or subject.

The live image mode of the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) offers however still other advantages. One can display a grid and/or a histogram on the screen and gets a white balance as also an exposition preview; all that is missing is the possibility to somehow adjust the screen in a different way. But it was probably too much of a technical challenge even for Canon to integrate a rotating and pivoting mechanism for the large screen into the small housing. From the remaining image performances (colour neutrality, contrast/brilliance, viewing angle independence, noise-free in low light, jerk-free etc.) the easily reflecting screen of the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) cuts a good figure. It also serves as a status indicator when taking pictures; as soon as you take your eye off the viewfinder, the screen turns on automatically thanks to the eye sensor and displays the most important settings. It’s just a pity that the screen display is not automatically rotated when the camera is held upright, e.g. for classic portrait shots, and that there is no protective mechanism that prevents the (disengageable) eye sensor from spontaneously switching the screen on and off when the camera is dangling from the shoulder strap when it is switched on. Also, the individual points of the status display cannot be accessed directly with the arrow keys of the navigation field, but the appropriate function key must be pressed.

Of course, the screen is also used to play back images that have already been taken and to display the camera menus. The menu structure is – with the exception of small details – the same for all digital EOS cameras and makes a well thought-out and very clear impression. With the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) the menu is divided into seven main sections (shooting settings 1+2, playback settings, basic settings 1+2+3, my-menu settings) with over 120 different settings in about 40 menu items. For those who find this too much, the new “My Menu” function allows you to create your very own menu, which only displays the menu items of your choice; within the menu system, pressing the Disp. key brings a summary of the most important parameters to the screen. It could hardly be more exemplary! Canon also deserves praise for the fact that all connections of the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) are standardized. The PictBridge-compatible USB 2.0 high-speed interface uses a standard 5-pin mini-B connector; the composite video output uses a 3.5mm jack plug and the remote shutter release connector uses a 2.5mm jack plug. This makes it relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain replacement cables, and hobbyists can use standard parts from the electronics market to build their own solutions such as light barriers, radio remote controls, contact triggers (where the camera is triggered when you step on a previously hidden contact surface), etc. The three connectors are located behind a rubber cover on the left camera side. Memory card (recently SD/SDHC cards) and lithium-ion battery (unfortunately of the new type LP-E5 and thus not compatible with older EOS cameras) are stored separately and can thus be changed separately; the robust metal tripod thread is positioned correctly in the optical axis and is far enough away from the battery compartment that at least smaller tripod quick-release plates do not block access to it.

Equipment

Although the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D), like so many entry-level digital SLR cameras, lacks a rear control dial with which you can easily set the shutter speed and aperture in combination with the front control dial, it is otherwise hard to put up with in terms of features. A dimmer button is available as well as a mirror lock-up function; whether the placement of the dimmer button, which has been criticized in individual tests, is favorable may be questionable and is certainly subjective. The camera can also be triggered from a distance either wirelessly by infrared remote control or wired by electric cable remote release. But it also works without optional accessories: Thanks to the optional short (2 s) or long (10 s) lead time for the self-timer function, you are well equipped for self-portraits, group shots and long exposures. New with the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) is the possibility of the multiple release in the self timer mode. With it you can set how many pictures (setting range: 2 to 10 shots) it should shoot in quick succession after the 10-second countdown. With group photos, this is probably to ensure that you not only appear in the picture yourself, but that you find at least one photo in the series where as many people as possible have their eyes open.

Another practical innovation is the spot metering added to the exposure metering modes. With the predecessors of the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D), the matrix or multi-field measurement (35 fields) and the center-weighted integral measurement were accompanied by a so-called integral measurement, which differed from the spot measurement by the larger measuring circle (9% of the image field). With the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) one can now measure even more punctiform and, as an alternative to the integral measurement (which remains an option), fall back on the spot measurement with its much smaller measuring circle of 4%. But one should already know how to handle the spot measuring if one does not want to get mercilessly underexposed or overexposed pictures; thus, the joy of the newly added spot measuring should be enjoyed with caution. For the absolute beginner, the basic setting or multi-field measurement is all the more urgently recommended as it is finally freed from the phenomenon of overexposure/underexposure in bright light and thus provides much more precise measurement results than the previous models. When it comes to flash, exposure precision has always been, or at the latest since the introduction of E-TTL-II flash metering and control with the EOS 350D, of the very highest quality and is surpassed – if at all – only by Nikon’s iTTL metering. Both the built-in miniature flash and the external system flashes of the Speedlite series deliver such well-tuned flash images (with regard to the ratio between flash light and ambient light) that the flash effect appears very natural.

If there’s one criticism of the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D)’s flash system at all, it’s the fact that with TTL wireless flash control, you can’t use the camera’s onboard flash as a control flash. Therefore, an ST-E2 transmitter or a so-called master flash (580EX, 580EX II, 550EX) still has to be mounted on the camera’s hot shoe, which together with the flash unit(s) set up in the room further increases the work material bill. Another positive feature is that the small light dispenser in the fully automatic mode as well as in the motif programs is automatically “ejected” or brought into position when the lighting conditions require it (= auto popup function). In the advanced exposure programs (program mode, aperture and shutter priority, manual exposure control), it only jumps out at the explicit request of the user, i.e. at the touch of a button. The flash coverage is good, the color temperature of the flash light is largely neutral, there are no overflash effects even in close-ups, and the flash pops up just high enough to cause hardly any drop shadows or red eyes. The flash sync speed is 1/200 s, a flash exposure correction function is available, the flash firing point can be selected (synchronization to the 1st or 2nd shutter curtain), and you can even use a flash metering memory (FEL function). In combination with external flash units, other functions such as flash bracketing (FEB) or flash high-speed synchronization (FP mode) are added. Many of the advanced flash functions can be controlled directly via the camera display or via a special menu.

It is unclear whether the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D)’s self dusting system works in exactly the same way as the EOS 400D. There are indications from unofficial sources that the system has been improved in the meantime, but we haven’t had the opportunity to check if this is true at all and then also for the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D). If this is the case, one might expect a similar efficiency to that of the Nikon D300 – more effective than the Sony and Pentax systems, but not quite as effective as the Olympus SSWF – i.e. Super Sonic Wave Filter system. Of course, there is still an attempt to avoid any dust on the sensor (abrasion resistant mechanical parts, antistatic coating of the sensor surface etc.), and it is also possible to calculate the spots on the image left behind by very persistent dust from the photos afterwards by software. The functional range and the equipment of the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) are rounded off among other things by a huge number of picture parameter presettings (so-called Picture Styles), several direct pressure functions, a quick series picture mode (see measured values in the profile), a picture authentication function (in interaction with the optional Data Verification software OSK-E3 and a so-called Dongle) and a lot more.

Lens

I received the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) together with the EF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS – one of the many kits in which the camera is offered by Canon. This set lens is in a way a new construction, as the predecessors of the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) (EOS 400D, 350D and 300D) were previously delivered with the stabilizerless version of this lens.

Like the predecessor model EF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6, the EF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS is also manufactured in “lightweight construction”, i.e. using a great deal of plastic. Even the bayonet of the exactly 200 grams light lens is made of plastic; if the bayonet should break off, then less under the load of the lens than by an unfortunate fall of the camera on hard ground. That the bayonet will wear out at some point due to wear and tear if the lens is changed frequently is theoretically not completely impossible, but in practice it is rather unlikely. In any case, we have not yet heard of any such cases. As with all EF-S lenses, the lens “back” of the EF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS protrudes a little more into the body of the camera than conventional EF lenses. This is due to the special short-backfocus design of the EF-S optics with short focal length (i.e. distance between the last/rearmost lens element of the lens and the image sensor). This makes it impossible to use the EF-S lenses on EOS DSLRs with a larger sensor in 35mm format, although this does not really make sense because of the smaller image circle of the EF-S lenses.

Despite the integrated optical image stabilisation unit, which compensates for camera shake by moving the lens in opposite directions and also helps to stabilise the viewfinder image, the EF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS is quite compact (Ø 68.5 x 70 mm). The zoom ring is beautifully wide and easy to grip – in contrast to the manual focus ring, which is difficult to grasp when the sun visor is mounted. The latter is not included in the camera/lens set. The focal length specifications on the zoom ring correspond to the nominal focal length range of 18 to 55 mm; converted to 35 mm, this is 28.8 to 88 mm. Thus, one captures approximately the same image section as before (i.e. at 35mm camera times) with the 28-80mm zoom. The luminous intensity from F3.5 to F5.6 is almost standard in this price range and with the focal length range.

In the absence of an ultrasonic drive (ring-USM, micro-USM, micro-USM II), the EF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS can be heard when working or focusing. The working noise of the autofocus is not quite as penetrating as with some camera/lens combinations of other manufacturers, but discreet is something else. But there are enough USM lenses at Canon; the original manufacturer’s huge lens park (to the current 64 different EF and EF-S lenses, compatible lenses from other manufacturers such as Sigma, Tamron or Tokina are added) is constantly being updated, and lenses from analog times, which do not harmonize so well with digital cameras in terms of their imaging performance, are more or less “on the quiet” (i.e., they are not used in the same way as digital cameras). i.e. sometimes without much notice) are gradually replaced by newer, digitally optimized versions (EF-S series, 2nd generation EF lenses or completely new EF designs).

One more word about the autofocus: It has been improved on the camera side. Even if the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) makes further (like already the predecessor model EOS 400D) use of new, diamond-shaped AF measuring fields and responds starting from -0.5 IL, the AF sensor should be a new one according to Canon. Canon does not announce what this changes, but the assumption suggests itself that, as with the AF sensor of its big sister EOS 40D, the cross sensor of the middle AF measuring field is now x -shaped (previously + -shaped) and the center distance between the light-sensitive elements of the sensor (= sensor pitch) has been reduced from 16 µm to 14.4 µm. This leads both to a better detection performance.

Image quality

Halfway between the 10.2 megapixels of some competitor models and the 14.2 megapixels of the new Sonys (we leave the Samsung GX-20 and the Pentax K20D with its 14.6 megapixels out of consideration as advanced or mid-range cameras), the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) has 12.2 megapixels. Certainly, the additional two million pixels of the Sony Alpha 350 provide a few more resolution reserves, but in these resolution fields you’re in the range of what you can do with A3 posters and partly even larger formats anyway.

With the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D), the slightly better imaging performance of the set lens and the more aggressive image processing compensate for the slightly lower sensor resolution of “only” 12.2 megapixels. Although the EF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS also vignetts and records very strong vignetting at the wide-angle end or at the 18mm position, and even with a high aperture, the set lens exhibits abrupt vignetting of over one f-stop, its performance improves to a good or very good level as the focal length increases. First visible diffraction effects appear at F11; the slight restrictions in the uniformity of the resolution curve partly indicate a clear overcompensation of the – even with open aperture very high – resolution. The electronics (represented by the DiGIC III processor, among others) also intervene strongly in the image result in other ways. The noise reduction is strong (but without being negatively noticeable due to too much smoothing effects), and in the tonal value reproduction, Canon has adjusted the contrast curve so that it not only simulates a higher image sharpness for the human eye or brain, but also a higher resolution for some test procedures. In general the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) is adjusted to a pleasing picture rendition. In order to further improve the resolution values, the camera does not use strong optical low-pass filtering; together with the strong electronic image processing, this leads to all kinds of artifacts (including different forms of moiré in varying degrees of intensity and slight aliasing), at the expense of the post-processing suitability of the images and the suitability of the camera for technical reproduction purposes. On the positive side, there is the excellent input dynamic of 8.9 f-stops at ISO 100, the moderate sharpness and the target group-oriented adjustment of the image compression, while the output dynamic is only modest and there are visible ghost lines on the horizontal and vertical image edges.

As already mentioned under the point “Equipment” here in the test, the specific exposure outliers of the previous models (over/under exposure in bright light) no longer occur with the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D). A high level of exposure precision has been achieved in flash photography for a long time. But what you still haven’t really got a grip on, neither at Canon nor at the competition, is a flawless automatic white balance under the – probably very problematic – incandescent light. But while many manufacturers don’t get the typical red-orange cast well even in the white balance preset for such light, the results look quite respectable with the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D). But one still gets the best and/or most color-neutral results with a manual white balance. Finally, a word about two new individual functions. The tone value priority function (C.Fn-5) works very effectively in conjunction with the “automatic exposure optimization” (C.Fn-6). By increasing the information content of the images from 12 to 14 bits and shifting the sensitivity range by one level (which results in underexposure), the image will be darker overall, but the brightest parts of the image will not become so bright that they could be overexposed. This targeted underexposure is then compensated by the camera electronics by adjusting the so-called tone curve. This increases the contrast in the darker parts of the image (for richer black) and reduces it in the lighter parts (for muted, i.e. not too bright white). All this leads to a visually even more pleasant but not necessarily realistic image contrast, as already mentioned in the previous paragraph concerning the tonal value reproduction.

Conclusion

The Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) is the tangible result of a slightly conservative product policy. Only features and technologies that are already proven in other EOS models or in cameras from other manufacturers on the market have been adopted. The days when Canon was a pioneer are over; you let the competition test new developments on customers and then copy the successful concepts. LiveView, the “dust vibrator”, the dynamic range “extension”, the eye sensor, etc. – all seen somewhere else before. But with an aggressive price and largely unrivalled exposure and autofocus technology, everything has been tied together to form a coherent and attractive technology package. So you can’t really criticize anything on the Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) (and other Rebel – EOS cameras), but only wish for the adoption of other good ideas from the competition (e.g. LiveView on a tiltable display or wireless TTL flash control also via the on-board flash).

Firmware 1.0.10 for Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D)

A firmware update was pending for the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D). A new firmware with the version number 1.0.10 released recently corrects three malfunctions that could previously occur with the camera. For example, if the bracketing function was used in conjunction with exposure compensation, the third shot of the bracket may not have been recorded on the memory card. When connecting the camera directly to a printer (via the USB cable) or a television or similar device (via the video cable) sometimes images could not be played back after a continuous shooting. With the exposure simulator function switched on, the corresponding Exp.SIM symbol should also flash on the screen if the lighting conditions are too weak or too strong to ensure a correct exposure preview. According to Canon, this warning function did not work as it should until now. All three phenomena should be corrected by installing firmware 1.0.10.

Canon Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) data sheet